OBITUARY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9321, 16 June 1891, Page 1 (Supplement)

OBITUARY.

MR J. H. WALLACE. It is with regrst that we record the death of another old and well-known resident of W/elliogton, in the person of Mr John Howard Wallace—father-in-law of Mr J. B. Haroourt, of this city—who died at bis residence in Woolcombe street on Tuesday morn-, iog at about 3 o’clock. The deceased was one of the early settlers of New Zealand, baring arrived in the Colony some 51 years ago, and having ever since resided in this city. The late Mr J, H, Wallace was a son of Mr John Wallace, a descendant of no old Scottish family, and was bora on the 11th of February, 1816, in Liverpool. Hie father, later on, removing to Birmingham, the deceased received his education there, and alter leaving school was apprenticed to Mr James Drake, bookseller and taw stationer,

of that town. Whilst in Mr Drake’s service the deceased came in constant contact with many persons interested in the great political reform which ameliorated the condition of the British people. He was selected by Mr Drake to make notes and sketches in connection with the publication of two railway guide books, which were among the first works of the kind ever issued in the Old Country. In carrying out this duty, MrJ. H. Wallace spent some six months very enjoyably, travelling over the different railway systems in England, and as a result of his labours, the guide books mentioned were published, edited by a Miss Twamley, from the notes.gathered by-Mr Howard Wallace daring his travels. His sketches were prepared for the books by bis own father. In the coarse of his travels over the railways of England he made the acquaintance of Mr S. White, who travelled for Messrs Lucas and Co., of Bristol and Birmingham, and the friendship thus struck np was the means of causing the two men deciding upon emigrating together. It was in the middle of July, 1839, that Mr Wallace severed his connection with Mr Drake’s establishment at Birmingham, and on September 18th following he and Mr White took passage in the ship Aurora for New Zealand, and arrived at Port Nicholson on January 29nd, 1840. Shortly after landing here tne two fellow passengers, Wallace and White, entered into partnership, and commenced business on Lambton quay as general merchants; subsequently they extended their business, and opened a branch at Nelson, which Mr White went over to manage in the year 1842. Mr White died at Nelson, and was succeeded as Mr Wallace's partner by Mr James Smith, who had married the former’s widow. Eventually the partnership between Messrs Wallace and Smith was dissolved, the latter going to England. Mr Wallace con tiuued the business for some years on hia own account, and then took bis son Bruce into partnership, and father and son carried on a business as auctioneers, commission agents, &0., in Hun'er street, Wellington. About eight years ago Mr J. H. VVallaoe retired from commercial lifo, since when be has resided in Woolcombe street. The deceased had been ailing for the past couple of years, and at times the state of bis health gave much anxiety to bis relatives and friends. Ten days ago Mr Wallace bad to take tohis bod, and Dr Collins attended him almost daily. Notwithstanding all the medical skill brought to bear on his case, Mr Wallaos sank gradually until Monday night, when be became unconscious and eventually died at 3 o’clock on Tuesday, the immediate cause of death being heart disease.

Tba deoeasad was not only an energetic business man, but he also took a very active part in, and shared the responsibility of, the early colonisation of this province, doing all he coaid to promote the interests of the Colony generally, Ha took an active part in local politics, having rendered valuable service as Chairman of Committees in the Wellington Provincial Council for a period of eight years. He was on the Commission of tba Peace, and was at ous time a member of the City Council. He was one of the moat active of those who organised the as sooiation to draw up a petition to the British Hones of Commons, praying that a constitution should be given to Hew Zealand, and many oljhia suggestions were embodied in the constitution eventually granted to our Colony. Mr Wallace took a keen interest in the many meetings held in connection with the celebration of the anniversary of this Colony, and only last year he was to be seen taking an active part in the festivities connected with the jubilee of the Wellington province, and was one of four gentlemen who were presented with an illnmiaated address in recognition of their services in connection with the celebration. During his life Mr Wallace found pleasure in collecting all the information be canid concerning the rise and progress of the Colony, and was the author of “ The Early History of New Zea. land," a work containing much valuable data. A manna) of the same work was also prepared by the author for use in schools.

The late Mr Wallace married in Wellington, and bis wife survives him. They had a largo family, but only three survive, viz., ous daughter, married to Mr J. B. Haroourt; Mr Bruce Wallace, now in Melbourne ; and Mr John Wallace, who is at present in England. Of those of the family who died, six were carded off by a

malignant fever epidemic which raged here some years ago, and another was killed in an accident.

MR JOHN WXTTON. A sudden death occurred at Wadestown on Wednesday afternoon, Mr John Witton, an old settler, having dropped down dead at his own residence. The deceased bad attended the 1 ceasing election at Kaiwarra, having been driving to the polling booth in a cab accompanied by Ids daughter, who sent him back to his home in the same vehicle by himself. Arriving at the top of Wadoslown hill Mr Witton discharged the cub and walked to his bouse, where he spoke for a few minutes to his wife. He then passed on to another room when suddenly be fell heavily to the ground, and died in a few minutes without speaking. He had been au invalid for some years, and had been a patient of Dr Robertson’s, who supposes the cause of death to be due to the unusual exercise the deceased had when walking from the top ot the hill to his house. An inquest is not likely to be considered necessary under the circumstances. The deceased ' was 67 years of age.

MRS RUTH WATERS. It is with regret that we announce the death of an old pioneer settler—Mrs Hath Waters, who died at her residence, Moturoa street, Thorndou, on Saturday. The deceased arrived at Wellington by the ship Calydin, in January 1841, having previously visited the Bay of Islands. Mrs Waters resiJod in Wellington, where she was married, up to 1859, when she and her husband (Mr Thomas Waters) went to Wanganui and lived there till about 1880, in which year the deceased lady paid a visit to England, but returned to the Colony in the following year, and again settled in this city. Mrs Waters was 79 years of age, and leaves a grown-up family of two sons and four daughters, besides a large number of grand children. MR GEORGE BENNETT. It is with regret that we record the death of Mr George Bennett, of Woolcombe street, who died on Friday morning at bis residence. Deceased, who was in his 70th year at the time of his death, was a native of Devon, shire, was married on May 26, 1841, and came to this Colony in 1848, in the Ber. uicia. Soon after he arrived the deceased commenced business as a wood turner, and gradually acquiring property in Wellington, which in later years became of great value, was enabled to retire on his means some 20 years ago. He for many years took a promi neat part in the affairs of Wesloy Church, and made several liberal donations to its foods. Though of a retiring disposition the late Mr Beuoet; was widely known and respected, so that his death will be heard of with deep regret by many of oar readers. It was only a week or so ago that we noticed the celebration of Mr and Mrs George Bennett’s golden wedding, when the venerable couple were surrounded by their children, grand children, and great grand children. On the Sunday evening before this jubilee Celebration Mr Bennett attended service at Wesley Church, but tbe exertion appeared to have a bad effect on his already impaired health, and he took to his bed, never to rise again. He was surrounded by bis many relatives when he quietly passed away. He leaves a widow and a family of six to mourn their loss. The three daughters of the deceased are Mre J, Dixon, of Buunythorpe ; Mrs G. Denton and Mrs T. Ralph, of Wellington; his sons being Messrs Alfred, Henry and Phillip Bennett, all of this city. The deceased, who was unconscious for 24 hours prior to his death, was attended by Dr Grace in his last Alines. The funeral took place dn Sunday morning, and was largely attended, between 300 and 400 people following the remains of the deceased gentleman to the cemetery. A special funeral service wos held at the Wesleyan Church, at which the Rev J„ J. Lewis officiated. The Rev C. fl* Laws conducted the service at the grave.

T. MACKAY. We regret very much to announce the death of Mr Mackay, one of the best public servants in New Zealand, a man of groat capacity and integrity, than whom no one was more respected. The deceased gentleman was born in Inverness in the year 1820, and began life in Ireland early as an engineer. About twenty-five years ago he came to New Zealand, and spent five years in various pursuits. At the end of that time be entered the Government service, and the twenty years that followed have been very laborious and painstaking. After drifting about in various capacities, he first received permanent employment as deputy commissioner of the Nelson district, from the date of which appointment bo ranked as a regular member of tho Civil Service. After the Nelson deputy commissionerehip he served some time in the Public Works Department as Land Purchase Officer. He served as agent for the West Coast coalfields for some time, making many journeys and explorations, in tbe course of ouo of which near Westport his horse fell with him. On that occasion Mr Mackay broke bis leg and narrowly escaped with his life. At Westport his tact and skill were largely instrumental in settling various difficult complica-

tions ia connection with coalfield matters, After tho report of the Royal Commission appointed to enquire into the Taranaki Native land troubles, bo succeeded Sir F. D. Bell as Commissioner, and up to the time of his death administered the VVaimate Plains reserves with groat success. His firm character, his shrewdnes, and tactcontributedgreatly to (he success of that work. He was but tho other day appointed one of the three Commissioners to investigate tb? whole question

uf the Native land laws. That Commission has presented its report, signed by two of the Commissioners, to Parliament, Mr Maokay contributing a memorandum to the effect that ho was writing a separate report. That report he unfortunately did not Jive to complete. Hie death was somewhat sudden. On Monday last he was laid up with an abscess iu the face, and on Saturday he died of heart disease, pissing quietly away in his sleep. His loss is universally regretted. His upright character, high ability, sound judgment, and methodical industry made him a most va'uable public servant. He will not easily be replaced.

• J. W. BRYANT. Death is rapidly thinning the ranks of those who walked in procession on the Jubilee Day of the Colony, January 22,1890. We have to announce to day the decease of Mr John William Bryant, who succumbed on Saturday to the injuries he received by a trap accident on Wednesday last, In spite of tho skill and unremitting attentions of Dr Cahill, who did everything that science could suggest, going out from Wellington three times in twenty-four hours ; but Mr Bryant’s injuries were far serious for mortal aid. Mr Bryant was born on Petone Beach, the original township of Britannia—on the 30th of May, 1840, his parents having arrived in the Colony a few weeks previously in the Duka of Roxburgh. Mr Bryant was thus the third white man born in the Colony, (he previous two being Mr Thos. Rogers, of Palmerston North, and Mr Lancelot Holmes, the well-known Wellington Pilot. From small beginnings, Mr Bryant, by steady industry, thrift, and judgment, bad placed himself in easy circumstances, and it was a satisfaction to him to be able to leave his widow and large family well provided for. Mr Bryant was a man of sterling worth and character. He commanded the respect of all with whom he came in contact and tho strong regard of those who knew him intimately. He will be buried to-day in the Ohnriu Volley, where he has lived for so many years. The funeral leaves his late residence, Ohariu valley, for the Church of England cemetery to-morrow (Tuesday), at 2 p.m, ' MR H. W. PaRNALL. Auckland, June 6. Harry W. Faroall, who represented Rodney in the House of Representatives for some years, died suddenly last night at Okoroire, where he had gone for the benefit of his health. Mr Farnall took an active part in the formation of the local branch of the Knights of Labour, and was for some time secretary of the Auckland Trades and Labour Council. He was appointed emigration agent some years ago by Sir Julius Vogel, bub on arriving in London he found that Dr Featherston, the then Agent-General of the Colony, refused to recognise him, claiming that the appointment rested with him. Mr Farnail, however, entered upon his new duties all the same, and it was through bis exertion that Mr Vesey Stewart brought out the Kali Kati settlers.

SERGEANT PRICE. Masterton, June 9,

Sergeant John Price, who has been nearly 30 years in the New Zealand Police Force, died at Mastecton about 8 o’clock this morning. For several months deceased had been suffering from throat affection, but it was only during the past few weeks that be had been confined to hia room.

As tho doctors attending him were not satisfied as to the cause of death, an inqaost was hold this afternoon, when the medical testimony revealed that ha was suffering from acute bronchitis and tumorous cancer in the throat. Death, which must have come sooner or later, was accelerated by his having been given in mistake turpentine Instead of bromide, thus causing suffocation. A verdict was returned accordingly. Deceased was 57 years of age, and bad done duty for nearly five years in Mastertoo. He leaves a wife and family of three.